Observe Trees in the Schoolyard

ScienceGrade K

• Observe trees in the schoolyard
• Identify the parts of a tree
• Compare trees for similarities and differences
• Develop language associated with trees

• Observe the size, shape, texture, and colors of tree leaves
• Compare shapes of leaves to common geometric shapes
• Compare the sizes and edges of leaves
• Communicate the similarities and differences they observe.

• Observe seasonal changes in the life of schoolyard trees
• Observe the structures of twigs, flowers, fruits, seeds, and bark of trees
• Compare changes in parts of trees through the seasons
• Communicate observations and comparisons of schoolyard trees

• Students gain experience with a common material, wood, and observe different kinds of wood. Students compare properties of different kinds of wood found in the classroom environment and communicate observations made about different kinds of wood. They learn that different kinds of wood come from different kinds of trees; some kinds of wood are processed and transformed by people. Students observe how wood interacts with water.

• Students transform the shape of wood using sandpaper, create particleboard from sawdust and wood shavings and compare it to commercial particleboard. Students create plywood from thin pieces of wood and compare it to commercial plywood. They explore the technology of making wood products.

• Students observe properties of several different kinds of paper, label the different kinds of papers found in the school environment, and compare different kinds of paper as they are cut or torn. Students determine the usefulness of different kinds of paper for writing and drawing, compare and communicate the number of times different kinds of paper can be folded in half and how paper interacts with water.

• Students observe how paper products change when soaked in water, use a technique to make a small piece of recycled paper, and use paper-mache’ technique to make paper stiff and hold its shape.

• Students observe how paper containers are constructed by taking them apart and reassembling them. Students weave paper to make a paper mat, they assemble paper and wood into sculptures and use their knowledge of the properties of paper and wood to create useful and or aesthetic materials.